Ayoub El Kaabi's Spectacular Finish Caps The Atlas Lions' Triumph Over Comoros in Afcon First Game.
The Morocco shook off a jittery start to overcome Comoros in the tournament's inaugural fixture on the weekend, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a less than dominant performance, however, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny island nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to grind out for the victory in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Nervy Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were goalless at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui showed great skill to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to sidefoot into the net.
“The first match is always difficult but we improved in the second half,” said Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
Any lingering nerves was subsequently extinguished by a moment of sheer genius from Ayoub El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after his introduction, the forward connected with a cross with a acrobatic overhead kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
The Visitors' Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
The underdogs stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay before the hosts' individual talent in the end made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to keep down the scoreline as the game wore on, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly after Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting directly into Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Morocco
The victory was partially marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute apparently in some distress.
This defender had just returned to the international setup last month following a year’s absence due to a serious ankle operation.
The win extends the team's record-breaking run of consecutive victories to 19, beating the old record of 15 set by the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2009.
